ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army on Wednesday sealed Bhara Kahu, a densely populated locality on the outskirts of the federal capital, by closing all entry and exit points after a group of people tested positive for coronavirus in the area.
“The area has been completely locked down for all kind of movement … our teams are surveying the locality for more suspected cases,” Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, told Arab News.
He said that a total of 16 people had tested positive for coronavirus from the area while another 15 were quarantined at their homes on the suspicion of contracting the virus. “We are expecting their test reports by evening today [Wednesday],” he said.
The deputy commissioner said the army troops had taken charge of the area along with Rangers and police to ensure the safety and security of the public.
Pakistan has 1,000 diagnosed patients of coronavirus as of Wednesday, and it has recorded eight fatalities due to the viral infection since February 26, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.
The country is struggling to contain the spread of the virus through different initiatives, including testing suspected cases, establishing large quarantine centers and restricting movement of people through partial lockdowns.
The capital administration on Monday placed Islamabad’s union council of Kot Hathial under quarantine after six members of Tablighi Jamaat residing in the area tested positive for coronavirus. After a man from Kyrgyzstan who was part of the preaching team tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, samples were sent for testing of other members of the delegation as well.
Shortly after that, 16 people of Bhara Kahu neighborhood tested positive on Wednesday, compelling the army troops to move in and seal the whole area including grocery shops and pharmacies.
“This area is being sealed on the government’s directives as coronavirus has spread in the locality,” security forces announced through a megaphone while requesting people to stay at their homes.
According to the district administration, at least six check posts have been set up at the entry and exit points of the locality with special teams from the National Institute of Health (NIH) screening hundreds of people to prevent further spread of the virus.
The administration has advised the people to self-quarantine at homes as a precautionary measure along with warnings against violating the restrictions.
“A penalty of 6-month imprisonment or 100,000 rupees fine will be imposed if anyone violates the restriction orders,” Inspector Naeem Iqbal, a police spokesman, told Arab News.
Coronavirus: Army seals Islamabad’s neighborhood after 16 test positive
https://arab.news/pvpuy
Coronavirus: Army seals Islamabad’s neighborhood after 16 test positive
- At least 15 suspected cases are quarantined at their homes in Bhara Kahu and their test reports are awaited, says the deputy commissioner
- Anyone violating the restrictions could face 6-month imprisonment or Rs 100,000 fine
UAE’s AD Ports forms joint venture with Pakistani company to expand logistics footprint
- AD Ports Group announces joint venture with Pakistani logistics provider CEI Supply Chain Private Limited
- Says venture to help AD Ports directly link port infrastructure with inland logistics networks in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: AD Ports Group announced on Thursday that it had formed a strategic joint venture (JV) with a Pakistan-based freight-forwarder and logistics provider, as the UAE-based group eyes expanding its footprint in the South Asian country.
AD Ports said in a press release that it has entered into a JV with CEI Supply Chain Private Limited, a premier logistics service provider in Pakistan. The venture will develop a robust and asset-light network delivering door-to-door solutions across the region.
The agreement was signed by both parties in Pakistan’s commercial hub Karachi in the presence of UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi and UAE Consul General in Karachi Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Alremeithi on Thursday, AD Ports said.
“Under terms of the agreement, AD Ports Group will acquire a 51 percent majority shareholding in the new entity, further solidifying its presence in Pakistan, a key South Asian market and gateway to the Group’s Central Asia corridor,” the press release said.
AD Ports said its strategic partnership with CEI Supply Chain represents a “significant step” in the company’s plans to directly link its port infrastructure with inland logistics networks.
It said the new venture will leverage CEI’s operational footprint in Pakistan, which includes key offices in major Pakistani urban centers of Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Islamabad.
“By integrating these local capabilities with AD Ports Group’s global reach, the joint venture aims to capture a significant share of the market, particularly in high-growth verticals such as automotive, retail, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), and energy,” it added.
AD Ports said its new partnership will provide the JV with access to clients across the country and a solid base for market penetration.
The new venture will be consolidated into AD Ports Group starting in the first quarter of 2026, the UAE-based company said.
Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, regional CEO of AD Ports Group, described Pakistan as a “vital trade gateway” for the region, adding that the agreement was “a natural evolution of our presence.”
“This joint venture with CEI allows us to bridge the gap between port and final consumer, driving efficiency for our customers, and supporting our vision of developing Pakistan as a regional hub for the Middle Corridor and Central Asian markets,” he said.
AD PORTS’ PAKISTAN EXPANSION
The joint venture agreement caps a year of expansion for AD Ports in Pakistan, where the group has established itself as a major investor in the port of Karachi. In August 2025, the group inaugurated its first office in Islamabad to deepen government engagement and accelerate infrastructure initiatives.
AD Ports Group entered Pakistan in 2022 with a landmark 50-year concession to develop and operate container berths 6–10 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf in partnership with Kaheel Terminals. This was followed by a second 50-year agreement in 2023 to manage berths 11–17 for general and bulk cargo.
In July 2024, the group also signed an agreement to invest $250 million over the next decade in Pakistan with plans to develop a state-of-the-art port facility in the coastal city of Karachi.
AD Ports expansion coincides with Pakistan’s efforts to attract international investment, particularly from Gulf countries, with a focus on strategic sectors such as ports and shipping, aviation and logistics to drive sustainable economic growth.
